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Diseases of the Beef Cow Herd. By David R. Hawkins Michigan State University. Diseases That Impact Reproduction. Brucellosis Leptospirosis Campylobacteriosis Trichomoniasis Respiratory Viruses IBR & BVD. Brucellosis. Bacteria – Brucella abortus
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Diseases of the Beef Cow Herd By David R. Hawkins Michigan State University
Diseases That Impact Reproduction • Brucellosis • Leptospirosis • Campylobacteriosis • Trichomoniasis • Respiratory Viruses • IBR & BVD
Brucellosis • Bacteria – Brucella abortus • Localized infection in uterus, udder, testes & joints – abortion in last trimester of pregnancy • Diagnose with blood or fetal tissue sample • Transmissible to humans – undulant fever • Federally monitored • Prevent with calfhood vaccination – 4 to 8 mo. (recommended but not required). Must be done by DVM – records at MDA
Leptospirosis • Bacteria – 5 strains • Fever, off feed, abortion at any time, anemia, clotted milk & bloody urine • Diagnose with blood or fetal tissue sample • Annual vaccination is recommended in Michigan • Deer and wildlife can carry the bacteria
Campylobacteriosis • Bacteria – Vibrio fetus • Irregular heat cycle (fetus dies after fertilization and is reabsorbed) (4 to 7 mo.) • True venereal disease that is spread via natural service. • Diagnose with vaginal or preputial mucous • Vaccinate prior to breeding season
Trichomoniasis • Protozoa – Trichomonas fetus • True venereal disease • Diagnose with vaginal or preputial mucous • Use A.I., virgin bulls and vaccinate prior to breeding season.
Respiratory Disease Complex • Same as earlier discussion with feedlot cattle. • IBR, BVD, PI3 • BRSV • Pneumonia • IBR and BVD can cause abortion
Calf Scours • Chronic &/or acute diarrhea of calves – usually occurs in the first two weeks after birth. • Causative agents • E. coli • Rota/corona viruses • Sanitation & Colostrum are very important. • Vaccinate cows prior to calving &/or calves at birth.
Calf Scours (continued) • Treatment • Prevent dehydration with electrolytes • 8% fluid loss = depression, 12% = death • 1 quart orally every 4 to 6 hours • Antibiotics and sulfa boluses. • Keep calf warm and stress free • Isolate infected calves to prevent infection of other calves.
Tuberculosis • Mycobacterium bovis • Somewhat transmissible to humans • Federally monitored • Michigan was declared free of TB in 1979. • TB found in deer in 1994 and in other wildlife since then. • Pneumonia and abscessed lymph nodes. • Diagnose with caudal fold test.
Tuberculosis (continued) • Several positive cases have been diagnosed in northeastern part of lower peninsula. • Michigan lost it’s “TB free” status, but now is hoping to achieve “split state” status. • All bovine in state are being tested. Whole herd annual test is recommended. • May take 20 years or longer to eradicate.
Johnes • Mycobacterium paratuberculosis • Chronic diarrhea and weight loss • Incubation period can be several years before symptoms appear. • Diagnose with blood & fecal tests • Cull infected animals and prevent fecal contamination. • Some herds are doing annual tests.
Anaplasmosis • Blood disease spread by ticks, flies and mosquitos in southern U.S. • High fever, anemia and death • Vaccinate &/or treat with antibiotics • Some states (WI) and Canada require a negative test before entry
Bluetongue • Viral disease in western U.S. spread by ticks & flies • Ulcers in mouth, fever & lameness • Vaccinate or treat with antibiotics and sulfa.
Pinkeye • Inflammation of mucous membranes near the eye followed by opaque cornea. Acute cases result in permanent loss of sight. • Face flies are the primary carrier. • Vaccinate or treat with cortisone and antibiotics. Eye patch will protect eye during recovery period • Breeds lacking pigmentation around eyes are more susceptible.
Fly Control • Spraying, dusting, dipping, ear tags & oral larvacides • Sanitation – remove breeding sites of flies • Ear tags impregnated with insecticides have been very effective • Change brands each year to avoid resistant strains.
Lice & Grubs • Usually apply a “pour-on” organophosphate compound in the fall. • Some products are effective for both internal and external parasites. • Ivermectin, Dectomax, Eprinex, etc. • Others are effective only against lice – Lysoff • Observe cut off dates for your area
Internal Parasites • Roundworms, tapeworms and flukes • Anemia, reduced performance and rough haircoats are symptoms • Several anthelmintics (de-worming agents) are available as bolus, paste, injectable, etc. • Usually de-worm the breeding herd twice per year to break the life cycle of the parasites
Nutritional Diseases • Michigan is deficient in iodine, cobalt, selenium and marginal in copper. Most of these can be supplemented in trace mineral salt. • Grass tetany is due to a magnesium deficiency in lush growing forage. Include MgO in mineral mix, if it is a problem. • Legume bloat – Poloxalene may help. • Toxins – some pasture plants can be toxic.